Those who took part in the engagement activities voiced a clear message: the independent advocacy sector needs a representative membership body to provide a unified voice that can champion the sector, strengthen the quality of advocacy, and provide a trusted point of consultation for policy and system leaders nationally.
The work undertaken through surveys, focus groups, and conversations shows that advocates want more than a network; they want a coordinated, credible body that can amplify their collective voice, share best practice, influence policy, and ensure consistent, high‑quality advocacy for everyone who needs it.
This report provides an overview of this work, illustrating the need for and the want of a representative membership body: shaped by the sector, for the sector. The people we spoke with emphasised that a representative membership body should be inclusive, independent, and sustainable, with a commitment to enhancing the quality of advocacy, empowering advocates, and ultimately improving the lives of those who benefit from independent advocacy.
Explore an example of how a tiered fee structure might work
Following this report we engaged with the advocacy sector to seek their views on how this should be taken forward and to establish viability through possible fee structures.
